I can get R-Tape Conform on sale.... Is it fine for average use, or would you strongly recommend others. I'm not really experienced with many, and have had my fun with all I have tried. Bronzeo
Posted by Joe Endicott (Member # 628) on :
R-Tape Conform is all we keep in the shop. Works great for everything we do. I've noticed that some large-output digital prints have a much thicker 3M tape but that is really only needed on big stuff for stiffness.
Posted by Jim Doggett (Member # 1409) on :
I'd agree that Conform(tm) series tapes by R Tape(r) are the only way to go. The Release Liner Adhesion is great for everyday, but in my opinion, a real must for large digital prints ... especially those that are contour cut. A tape that won't pull away from the exposed release liner areas on weeded graphics is the best thing to happen to premask that I've seen.
Disclaimer: we (SummaDirect) sell R Tape Conform. So I'm not without some bias. But, we could sell a lot of tapes ... we sell R Tape, exclusively, because it's the best ... IMH (and biased) O.
- Jim
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
I'm glad this one came up...
How does the Conform tape handle compound curves, say like what's found on a curvy vehicle body panel or on a jetski? I see they're saying it lays around compound curves easier.
I've been using Clear R Tape for anything to be applied over a compound curve but because I'm getting into larger and larger graphics I'll need something with lower tack that my internet customers can apply wet without the issues regarding high tack clear tape.
Posted by Robb Lowe (Member # 2121) on :
I will have to jump on the bandwagon and agree that comform by R-Tape is the best I've used so far. I really hate the clear, plastic tapes... they just do not work for me.
The Conform series I've noticed has a nice tendency - if you get a bubble started while masking, it will smooth itself out when you squeegee it. In other words, it has sort of a 'pre-tack' for lack of a better term, then lets you reset it before really grabbing onto the vinyl. Nice stuff, and finally a tape I believe was engineered for the sign industry instead of just being an uncut roll of hardware store masking tape!
Posted by Mikes Mischeif (Member # 1744) on :
Depends.....Here on the east coast the heat and humidy demands nothing less than High-Tack. I use transferite. Great on small letters too.
I use to keep all brands too, but now use Trans.Hightack on everything.
M. pipes is right about clear on curves. Nice stretch to it. Only draw back is the mini-square pattern it leaves after you apply. So Far, I'm the only one that notices.....
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
I've tried a few brands and Transfer-Rite Hightack seems to work the best for me.
Posted by Troy Haas (Member # 472) on :
I get my tape from a local plastics supplier. I was in a bind one time and went to them to get something else and they said "Try This, if you don't like it we will buy it back"!!
It is all I have bought since, I only buy 20" premask and use it for both my 20 and 15" vinyl.
I will call them and find out what brand it is or who makes it. There is no name on it anywhere, not on the core and when they give it to me in a box it just has the size marked on it.
In our Humid climate I have had very few problems with it. I did get a couple of sample rolls of the conform tape and have tried it with good results. I will probably buy it if I go elsewhere for my premask., but at this time it is a 15 min trip over to buy a roll and I am back at work.
Just wish I could work right now
I am getting bored out of my alleged mind!!!!!!!
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Mike Duncan, I've noticed the pattern on the vinyl too but it goes away after a while. So far none of my customers have commented on it, I have however had some customers that didnt know that was just transfer tape who then called me to tell me the "protective film" on the graphic is peeling up. My thoughts: "HUH?? Protective film??" D'oh! Hahahaha..
After I told them it's supposed to come off I hear "Oh good cause I thought that part was ugly but the graphics underneath look really nice!"
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
My all around favorite is R Tape 4075 RLA also. My one concern about buying stuff on sale is that it may be older stock. So unless you plan on using it right away, it might not be such a great deal. As with all tapes, the longer it sits on a shelf, the less reliable it is. Havin' fun, Checkers
Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
R-Tape
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
The R-Tape conform series is the best I've used. I like it a lot because it sticks to the liner really well.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I've been a transferite high-tac fan for years, but added R Tape's clear recently for decals that will be sold retail (my own line as well as customers) for the benefit of seeing what your buying better. Mike, I've had those who leave the tape on as well. Guess I'll need to provide instructions.
This conform stuff sticking to release liner sounds good though. I think I'll try a roll.
Posted by Mike Kelly (Member # 2037) on :
Buy it Jack. It's all I've been using since trying it about a year ago. My supplier told me a couple weeks ago that R-Tape is running a special with their distributors and that the discount is being passed down to the user. Now's the time to try it.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Please inform me what is better about R-Tape than TransferRite? I have not had the experience to try this conform stuff and am curious. Cna someone provide any tech info rather than "I like it."
Posted by Ryan Ursta (Member # 1738) on :
R-Tape RLA is all i buy. The corners never peel up! Good Stuff!!!
Posted by bronzeo (Member # 1408) on :
Thanks everyone, Ameriban is selling it for under 100.00 for a 4 foot cut as you order it roll. Maybe not a big savings, but you get the sizes that you think you need. I thought that I might try it on this offer, and feel confident now that I may like it. Happy Hallo, Bronzeo
Posted by Brian Snyder (Member # 41) on :
There is a certain supplier in my area that sells me their brand of transfer tape that seems to be remarkably similar to R-Tape 4075 RLA. Less expensive too. It's too bad they aren't a merchant here or I'd tell you who they are...
[ October 31, 2001: Message edited by: Brian Snyder ]
Posted by Warren Furuya (Member # 1382) on :
I agree that R-Tape is the transfer tape to use, even as a cheap masking film for roller-painting large graphics! Extremely clean edges, since it lays perfectly flat when burnished down, with no under- bleeding! (Just cut cleanly, so that the latex adhesive doesn't tear away like hot mozzarella cheese!) I also like my SpeedPress Frame & App Film for certain jobs! I do a lot of banners & long sections of type on hi-cube vans (delivery trucks) and I like the lo-tac frame-stretched app film as a second pair of hands, since I work alone. Plus,it's convenient to leave it on the frame for the next time, and the film on the frame lasts a loooooong time! (About 20 jobs!) I just clean the dirt & dust off the tacky side w/ reg. paint thinner on a rag, let it dry for about 5 min., and it recharges the tackiness by about 80%! It eventually wears out beyond repair. . . SpeedPress also sells a hi-tac film if that's what you need. This frame is limited to 18" widths and 3 & 6 foot lengths. No, I am not a SpeedPress salesman!
Mahalo. . .
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
A couple notches up, I asked a few questions that have not yet been answered. Can someone reply to these please.
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
